Guys Trip Ideas In Memphis

You'll quickly uncover why Memphis stands out as an ideal destination for your next guys getaway. The city seamlessly blends its rich musical heritage, mouthwatering BBQ culture, and modern entertainment options into an experience that caters to diverse interests. Whether you're planning a bachelor party, reunion, or just need a weekend away with friends, Memphis offers the perfect mix of laid-back Southern charm and energetic nightlife. From legendary blues clubs to professional sports, craft breweries to historical landmarks, the choices can seem overwhelming at the outset - but there's a perfect itinerary waiting to be crafted for your crew.

---

 

Memphis Makes A Great Place For A Guys Trip

Memphis sits along the Mississippi River in southwest Tennessee, serving as a major cultural hub and the state's second-largest city with approximately 608,000 residents. Founded in 1819 and named after the ancient Egyptian capital, the city has been pivotal in American music history as the birthplace of blues, soul, and rock 'n' roll, making it an ideal destination for music-loving groups. The city experiences hot, humid summers with temperatures often exceeding 90°F (32°C) and mild winters, with spring and fall offering the most comfortable conditions for outdoor activities.

Memphis offers exciting seasonal events year-round that make timing your guys trip especially rewarding. Spring brings the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest during Memphis in May, while summer features outdoor concerts at the Levitt Shell. Fall delivers the SmokeSlam BBQ Festival at Tom Lee Park, featuring BBQ competitions with a $250,000 prize purse (the largest in BBQ history), live music from headliners like Big & Rich and Southern Avenue, and a fully immersive experience celebrating Memphis culture. Winter offers unique experiences like holiday lights at the Botanical Garden and New Year's Eve on Beale Street.

An interesting fact about Memphis is that it's home to the original Piggly Wiggly store, which opened in 1916 and was the world's first self-service grocery store, revolutionizing how people shop for food.

Memphis's rich cultural heritage, combined with its barbecue scene, vibrant nightlife on Beale Street, and significant historical sites like the National Civil Rights Museum, creates an environment that naturally caters to group activities and male bonding experiences.

Top Guys Trip Ideas In Memphis

No matter if you are looking for a guys weekend filled with whiskey and song or a culinary tour through some of the south's best bbq spots, Memphis has plenty to offer a group of guys on holiday.

Hit the Blues Bars on Beale Street

Start your evening at Rum Boogie Cafe for live blues and authentic Memphis atmosphere, then make your way down to B.B. King's Blues Club for world-class performances. Grab a "Big Ass Beer" (yes, that's the actual name) from Silky O'Sullivan's while hopping between venues like Blues City Cafe and Mr. Handy's Blues Hall. Don't miss legendary spots like Alfred's on Beale for dancing, The Absinthe Room above King's Palace Cafe for specialty drinks and pool tables with views overlooking Beale Street, or Wet Willie's for their famous frozen daiquiris. The neon-lit, three-block stretch comes alive after dark with music pouring from every doorway, creating an electric vibe you won't find anywhere else. End the night at Dyer's Burgers, famous for using the same century-old grease to fry their legendary burgers.

BBQ Crawl Through Memphis Icons

Embark on the ultimate Memphis barbecue adventure starting with the dry-rub ribs at Charlie Vergos' Rendezvous, hidden in a downtown alley since 1948. Make your way to Central BBQ for their fall-off-the-bone ribs and pulled pork nachos, followed by the iconic whole-wing experience at Cozy Corner. Head to Payne's Bar-B-Q for their mustard slaw-topped chopped pork sandwich, considered by many locals to be the city's best-kept secret. Round out your meat feast at The Bar-B-Q Shop, home of the original BBQ spaghetti.

Take in a Grizzlies Game at FedExForum

Experience NBA action in one of the league's most electric atmospheres as the Memphis Grizzlies defend their "Grind House" at FedExForum. Arrive early to grab local craft beers at the Wiseacre Brewing stand and authentic Memphis BBQ nachos from Rendezvous' in-arena location. The arena's location downtown means you're steps away from pre and post-game festivities on Beale Street. Don't miss the famous Grizzlies' Claw Crew throwing t-shirts and leading the "Grit and Grind" chants that make Memphis basketball unique.

Tour and Taste at Old Dominick Distillery

Explore Memphis's premier craft spirits distillery since Prohibition, located in a beautifully restored 1920s warehouse on South Front Street. Take the 45-minute to 1-hour sensory journey that includes the history of Old Dominick and founder Domenico Canale, an up-close view of their extensive grain-to-glass craft distilling facility, and a curated tasting of their full line of whiskeys, vodkas, and gin. Sample their signature Memphis Toddy, based on a pre-Prohibition family recipe, and see the impressive copper still setup. Finish with craft cocktails at their rooftop bar, offering some of the best Mississippi River sunset views in the city.

Golf and Gamble at Tunica Resorts

Make the quick 30-minute drive south to Tunica for world-class golf at River Bend Links, designed by Clyde Johnston to emulate classic Scottish links courses. With peak season rates (March-November 2025) at $45 for weekday play and $62 for weekends, it's an affordable luxury experience. Between rounds, try your luck at one of Tunica's eight casinos, with Gold Strike and Horseshoe offering the best poker rooms and high-limit gaming. The Links at Cottonwoods at Harrah's provides another championship course option, while the casino's steakhouse serves dry-aged perfection. Top off the experience with late-night action at Hollywood Casino's sports book during big games.

More Memphis Guys Trip Ideas

• Memphis Craft Beer Crawl - Sample the city's thriving brewery scene starting with Wiseacre Brewing's innovative beers, then hit Ghost River Brewing Co. for their award-winning ales, followed by Memphis Made Brewing Co. in the Cooper-Young district. Don't miss Crosstown Brewing in the revitalized Crosstown Concourse, High Cotton Brewing in the Edge District, and Meddlesome Brewing Company's bold flavors to round out a perfect beer tour.
• Memphis Music Heritage Tour - Immerse yourselves in music history with visits to Sun Studio where Elvis, Johnny Cash, and Jerry Lee Lewis recorded their earliest hits. Continue to the Memphis Listening Lab at Crosstown Concourse to explore their collection of 35,000 vinyl singles, 15,000 LPs, and 25,000 CDs in a state-of-the-art listening environment. Visit the Blues Hall of Fame Museum with its interactive touchscreens and rare memorabilia, then explore the Stax Museum of American Soul Music. Top it off with the Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum, and consider a short drive to Graceland, Elvis Presley's iconic mansion, just a few miles away.
• National Civil Rights Museum - Visit the powerful and moving museum built around the Lorraine Motel where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated. The museum is currently undergoing its first major renovations in a decade, with work on a new Founders Park and Legacy Building expected to be completed by Juneteenth 2025, which will enhance the visitor experience with new exhibits and educational opportunities.
• Bass Fishing on the Mississippi - Book a guided fishing trip on the mighty Mississippi River for some serious sport fishing action.
• TPC Southwind Golf - Play a round at the championship golf course that hosts the FedEx St. Jude Championship PGA Tour event.
• Shelby Farms Park Adventure - Go zip lining, horseback riding, or mountain biking at one of the largest urban parks in America.
• Bass Pro Shops at the Pyramid - Investigate this massive outdoor retail experience complete with bowling, archery, and an observation deck overlooking the Mississippi River.

Other Destinations That You Might Also Enjoy Visiting

• Nashville, Tennessee - Music lovers who enjoy Memphis' blues scene will find Nashville's countless country music venues, the Grand Ole Opry, and thriving craft beer scene similarly entertaining.
• New Orleans, Louisiana - Like Memphis, this city offers incredible Southern food, rich musical heritage with jazz clubs, historic bars on Bourbon Street, and some of the best food tours in America.
• Louisville, Kentucky - Bourbon enthusiasts can investigate the Urban Bourbon Trail, visit multiple distilleries, catch races at Churchill Downs, and experience Muhammad Ali's legacy at his museum.
• Kansas City, Missouri - BBQ aficionados who love Memphis-style ribs will appreciate KC's legendary barbecue scene, plus there's the National WWI Museum and the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum.
• Austin, Texas - Similar to Memphis' entertainment scene, Austin offers live music on 6th Street, excellent BBQ joints, outdoor activities on Lady Bird Lake, and the famous Franklin Barbecue.

It's Time For A Memphis Mancation!

If you're thinking about a Memphis mancation, you won't be disappointed picking The Bluff City for your next guys getaway. You'll find everything from toe-tapping blues and mouthwatering BBQ to thrilling NBA action and meaningful history. Whether you're bar-hopping on Beale Street, touring craft breweries, or catching a Grizzlies game, the city delivers authentic Southern experiences that'll keep your crew talking for years. For a similar vibe, check out Nashville, New Orleans, or Austin for your next adventure.